Ryan Bissett and Robbie Griffiths break down the Belters Only studio ethos, protecting their club DNA, and why championing raw underground voices secures the future of electronic music.
Dublin-based electronic duo Belters Only are currently expanding the global footprint of Belters Only Irish dance music from their home studios in Ireland to underground clubs worldwide. Composed of Ryan Bissett and Robbie Griffiths, the chart-topping producers are redefining the domestic electronic scene by blending polished house arrangements with raw vocal components from adjacent underground movements. Their framework establishes a definitive roadmap for how electronic exports from working-class backgrounds can achieve international impact without losing touch with their local roots.
Their approach to production focuses on a pivotal moment where parallel Irish music scenes are finally colliding. Bringing unfiltered rap and drill vocals into a polished house music framework requires absolute precision. When collaborating with external artists, such as Dundalk rapper Reggie B, the duo prioritises quick, transparent studio sessions. Instead of over-engineering the process, they rely on raw instinct to keep their core club-ready DNA intact while ensuring the guest artist’s presence remains front and centre.
“I was surprised at how smooth he was on the house stuff. A lot of rappers can ride a beat but would sometimes struggle when it comes to the transition; it was second nature to Reggie, which shows great versatility to his craft.”
Trusting the Mix and Protecting the Vocal
Balancing heavy club production with raw vocal takes requires distinct expertise. For Bissett and RobbieG, hitting the sweet spot between the mixing desk and the vocal presence is a constant focus. The duo views the vocal track as the critical amplifier of any arrangement. Whether using a full vocal cut, isolated segments, or short samples, ensuring the voice gets its moment is just as vital as the surrounding production elements.
Showcasing the broader Irish underground scene is a deliberate move for their imprint, We Are Active (WAA Records). The label operates with a collective ethos focused on cultivating long-term careers rather than pursuing short-lived exploitation. This chapter of WAA focuses heavily on leveraging their global platform to give rising artists a genuine space to experiment, prioritizing creative freedom over immediate financial returns.
Discipline, Legacy, and the Road to Ibiza
Behind the sold-out arenas and international expansion into major global markets like the US and Japan lies a strict, uncompromising work ethic. The duo approaches their career with intense personal discipline. Organising their lives outside the studio has become the absolute foundation for their creative success inside it.
“You have to be obsessed and then the results will show. Every day even if it’s for an hour of your day and the universe has no choice but to reward you when you believe and constantly work hard no matter what’s going on.”
This relentless drive heavily influences their approach to touring, particularly their seasonal WAAVY residencies in Ibiza. Armed with massive sound systems and sunset backdrops, their intention is to cut through the heavily detailed, serious nature of the modern music industry and return to the core foundations of club culture: community and escapism.
“The game is a very detailed, serious place right now. So there’s no harm in throwing a party full of good vibes, good tunes and a good buzz; leave everything at the dock for a few hours.”
The Future of the Belters Only Sound
While successfully bridging the gap between house and other underground sub-genres, Belters Only remain heavily anchored to their core sonic identity. House music remains their foundation through and through. As they continue to test new material worldwide, Bissett and RobbieG intend to stay students of the game, consistently sharpening their production styles. Success for the duo means solidifying their status across the board and proving to the next wave of underground artists that global longevity is entirely achievable.
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The Definitive Belters Only Knowledge FAQ
An Artist’s Sonic Progression
Belters Only continue to expand the parameters of modern Irish electronic music by blending foundational house rhythms with raw, unfiltered vocal talent from adjacent underground scenes.
How do Belters Only approach cross-genre collaborations?
What is the ethos behind We Are Active (WAA Records)?
What drives the consistent success of Belters Only?
